Born in Blackstock, South Carolina, to former slave parents, Jesse Max Barber was educated at Benedict College and Virginia Union University, where he was student editor of the University Journal and president of the Literary Society.
Born in Blackstock, South Carolina, McKeown was the son of Theodore B. and Nannie B.Robinson McKeown.
Having represented England at youth international level, Blackstock went on to play for the Antigua and Barbuda national team; he qualified through his grandfather, who was born in Antigua.
At least five battles were fought in or near Union County, including Musgrove Mill, Fishdam, and Blackstock.